Biotronik launches new ICD risk stratification study

Biotronik has announced the launch of a new clinical trial that aims to identify new risk factors that can help predict appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) interventions in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy who have received an ICD for primary prevention.

The first patient has been enrolled in the Parcadia study, which will evaluate the potential of myocardial scarring, assessed by MRI, as a potential predictor for appropriate ICD intervention.

Evidence suggests that clinicians require a more effective risk stratification method than the current left ventricular ejection fraction-based approach.

It has been shown by a previous study, Madit-II, that only one-quarter of patients who experienced a myocardial infarction and got an ICD for primary prevention received an adequate shock therapy.

Christoph Bohmer, international president for Biotronik, said: "Developing better, more accurate indication markers are in the best interests of patients, physicians and the healthcare system in general."

Last month, the company showcased its range of heart failure devices at the European Society of Cardiology congress in Munich, including the latest additions to its Lumax, Evia and Estella product lines.